Frequently asked questions about the project

No, according to the town manager's office. The town is retiring debt from borrowing on several projects. Any debt incurred in the Town Center project replaces that.

Will the project mean that neighborhoods still waiting for sewer service will have to wait longer?

No, because the town cannot add more sewer lines until it increases capacity at its wastewater-treatment facility, per the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Will the project mean that other priorities such as a proposed new high school will take a back seat?

No. New schools are typically funded through a combination of a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion and assistance from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. MSBA is paying for more than half the cost of the new Parker Elementary School.

Is this project just about changing traffic flow?

The plan is also about increasing access to the Common and bringing more businesses to the center of town, according to supporters.

What help is coming from the state?

The state will pay for improvements to Boston Road from the Shops at Billerica (formerly known as the Billerica Mall) and the entrance to O'Connor's Hardware Plaza, including construction of new sidewalks.

What about the sidewalks along the row of businesses?

Space will grow to 18 feet in width and will encourage outdoor seating for restaurants.

Does the $14 million estimate cover the costs associated with burying utilities?

Yes.

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If approved, when will the center be finished?

Town Manager John Curran says the full design phase will be completed in the summer of 2013 and construction would begin in the spring of 2014. The project will take an estimated two and a half years to finish. Roads will remain open.

What constitutes approval?

The Town Center project was approved by Town Meeting. Monday's referendum challenges that vote. The project moves forward if:

* Two-thirds of all votes approve of the redesign, with a turnout of at least 20 percent (roughly 5,200 of the town's 26,000 registered voters).

* Fewer than 20 percent of voters cast ballots. This voids the referendum under Town Charter. Then, the Town Meeting vote will stand.

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